1/24/18

In sticking with my New Year's resolutions, here is a plant-based meal that we are loving these days. Surprisingly, this meal is very filling and packed with flavor. Serve it with a salad loaded with fresh greens and a light lemon dressing and your dinner is all set. While there are multiple steps to making this meal, it is very simple and does not take much prep time. In fact, the purée and chimichurri sauce can even be made a day ahead of time!

Cauliflower is a weekly staple in our home. Because of it's subtle flavor, this superfood accompanies any style of dish, combines well with any sauce and can easily be made into rice or a mash. It also totes a lengthy list of benefits. It can reduce your risk of cancer. Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, an anti-cancer compound in cruciferous vegetables that contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements. It has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, therefore slowing tumor growth. Some researchers believe eliminating cancer stem cells may be the key to controlling cancer. Cauliflower also fights inflammation, is high in vitamins and minerals (including Vitamin C and K), boosts brain health and aides in digestive health.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut cauliflower into about 1 inch steak slices and arrange on a baking tray.
2. Combine oil and spices and drizzle over the cauliflower.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, flip over half-way through cook time to ensure equal browning on both sides. Cauliflower should be tender and lightly browned on each side when done.
4. While cauliflower cooks start to prep the eggplant dip. Slice eggplant in half and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Drizzle eggplant with oil, salt and pepper and bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. Set aside to cool. Purée in a vitamix or food processor, adding a small amount of olive oil until desired consistency.
6. Make the chimichurri sauce. Place all ingredients in a blender or Vitamix and blend until smooth. You may have to adjust the oil and vinegar to get your desired consistency. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides as you blend.
7. When plating up, place a dollop of eggplant purée on the plate, place the cauliflower steak on top and add the chimichurri sauce. Garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley.

*I use avocado oil for roasting because it has a high smoke point, is loaded with vitamins and minerals and boosts nutrient absorption. Lately, I've been using this brand on Amazon.
* Store the chimichurri sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Use on roasted veggies, steak, chicken or fish.
* Use the leftover eggplant purée as a veggie dip.
* This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase an item that is linked in a recipe (or elsewhere) I may receive a small commission. This does not result in an increase of the sales price of that product to you.

1/15/18

Every year I compile a general list of resolutions: focus on priorities, find balance, spend quality time with family, implement clean eating and simple living. While these are real resolutions, they are very broad. This year I wanted to create an honest list of resolutions, well thought out goals that require my focus and dedication all year long.

Eat a Plant Based Diet.
This is a resolution that has carried over from last year. I always focus on incorporating as many fruits and vegetables into our diet as I can since we know that eating a variety of phytonutrients is key to a healthy life. This past year I noticed my meat intake gradually increasing and I can tell my body functions better when I eat mostly veggies, lots of greens and small amounts of meat. We are now focusing on plant based meals that contain a range of protein, vitamins and minerals and occasionally adding a small portion of meat.

Reduce My Carbon Footprint.
There are so many small steps that be taken to reduce our carbon footprint on this earth. For me, the biggest challenge is cutting out to-go coffee cups. Having a daily coffee while out and about is definitely my weakness, but I am trying my best to make my afternoon coffee at home and save those purchases for special occasions. Besides the waste I am producing from all those accumulated coffee cups, I am also consuming coffee that is not organic or fair-trade. Did you know, unlike conventional coffee, organic coffee does not promote deforestation. In fact, it aids in the conservation of wildlife, birds, vegetation, and the prevention of soil erosion and diseases.

We have also pledged to cut out plastic bags. I keep a large sack in my car that is filled with cloth bags of all different sizes and those are what I’ll use when I go shopping. Other plastics we are trying our best to avoid include: plastic straws, water bottles, produce bags, packaging and toys.

With the kids involved in so many activities, cutting back on driving isn’t much of a choice for me. But, I can be more conscious of my purchases and try my best to reduce and recycle.

Teach My Son to Keep a Food Journal.
I can’t even begin to stress how important a food journal is for anyone who suffers with IBD. I am constantly referring back to our journal from one, two and even three years ago. As a parent, I’m able to keep detailed records of the foods my son eats, his symptoms, exercise, doctor appointments and more. But I can’t write his food journal forever. It’s imperative that I teach him the skills to document his own journey with Crohn’s disease. He has started using the app My Fitness Pal to keep track of his calorie intake; it’s important he understand that if he burns so many calories in soccer than he needs to consume that amount in calories so he doesn’t run out of energy or struggle with weight gain, a concern for several kids with Crohn’s. In addition to the app, it’s great to have a hardcopy journal to reference. With the start of a new year, we are starting a new journal and my son is responsible for tracking his food this time around. I just ordered this journal from The Food Diary Co. and we can’t wait to get journaling.

Get My House in Order.
I can’t stand clutter and prefer a minimalistic life, yet it seems I can never ever achieve these goals. I feel like my home is always cluttered, it’s always a mess and if someone just popped on over I would be embarrassed by its current state. Please say I am not alone!

This is the year I am finally getting it together. We’re clearing the clutter, getting rid of everything we don’t need or use and becoming more conscious about the purchases we make. This past year has been very eye opening for me, I found myself wanting more and more. I think it’s fair to say that we live in a materialistic society that is drenched in consumerism. But my home doesn’t need any more material objects, our closets are filled, the storage is filled, the garage is filled. This is the year to focus on less in order to gain more. Rather than material objects, I would like to focus on adventure, travel and memory making.

I could certainly add to this list, but I figure this is a great place to start. What are some of your goals and resolutions for the New Year?